I dismissed the children this morning til' monday on account of Mr Christian's _Dance_, which, as it goes through his Scholars in Rotation, happens to be here to Day--and I myself also am unwell, so as not to go out;--Mrs Carter sent me over Coffee for Breakfast; & soon after some Spirits of _Hartshorn_ for my Head--At twelve she sent the waiting Man to know if I was better, & what I would choose for Dinner. I thank'd her, & desired that She would give herself no trouble; She was careful, however, from her undistinguished kindness, to send me before Dinner some hot _Barley Broth_,--_Ben Carter_ before Noon introduced into my Room, Mr _Billy Booth_,[96] a young Gentleman of Fortune, who is one of Mr Christians pupils--The two Master Fantleroys came in also to see me--There came to the dance three _Chariots_, two _Chairs_, & a number of Horses. Towards Evening I grew Better, & walked down, with a number of young Fellows to the River; after our return I was strongly solicited by the young Gentlemen to go in and dance I declined it, however, and went to my Room not without Wishes that it had been a part of my Education to learn what I think is an innocent and an ornamental, and most certainly, in this province is a necessary qualification for a person to appear even decent in Company!-- [96] William Booth, who was a planter of considerable means in Westmoreland County at this time, was probably the father of this youth. Mrs _Carter_ in the Evening, sent me for Supper, a Bowl of hot Green Tea, & several _Tarts_. I expected that they would have danced til late in the Night, but intirely contrary to my Expectation, the Company were separated to their respective apartments before half after nine o_Clock_. _Saturday 18._